Hariri in Damascus, signs 17 bilateral agreements

Lebanese Prime Minister, Saad Hariri, in Damascus yesterday, agreed to a 17 bilateral agreements that seek to deepen diplomatic ties, and improve the two nations’ coordination on regional and international fronts, the Daily Star reported Monday.

Hariri’s fourth visit to Syria since taking office in 2009, the prime minister met with his Syrian counterpart Naji Otari. Agreements signed include accords on drugs control cooperation, the transfer of sentenced individuals, consumer protection accords, investment protections, and agreements aimed at controlling pharmaceuticals, shipping, tourism, and double taxation.

The priority issue of border demarcation between Syria and Lebanon remains outstanding however. On the matter, Hariri said that a committee established by the two countries to demarcate the border, “has to begin its work and finish it as soon as possible,” the Daily Star quoted.